Description

The book is clearly written for the general reader and includes many descriptions of trance experiences. It may serve as a good introduction to the nature and appeal of the shamanic revival in modern Western cultures." —Theological Book Review

... a case study in experiential anthropology that offers a unique mix of autobiography, mythology, experiential research, and archaeological data to support a challenging thesis—that certain body postures may help induce specific trance states." —Shaman’s Drum

This is a spellbinding and exceptionally readable book by an extraordinary woman." —Yoga Journal

And suddenly the understanding of my own vision washed over me like a mighty wave... For life or for death, I was committed to that mighty realm of which I was shown a brief reminder, the world where all was forever motion and emergence, that realm where the spirits ride the wind." —from the Prologue

Goodman reexamines our notions of the nature of reality by studying the ritual postures of native art assumed by her subjects during trance states. For readers desiring to discover this world of ancient myths, she has included a practical guide on how to achieve such ecstatic experiences.

Customer Reviews

Table of Contents

I. The Search for the SpiritsOne: The Call of the Old PeopleTwo: Getting in Touch with the Spirits: The First DiscoveriesThree: The Old Ones RememberFour: A New Path OpensFive: The Way of the Spirits

II. The Postures and What They Have to OfferSix: Going on a Spirit JourneySeven: The Many Faces of DivinationEight: The Gift of HealingNine: Female Powers of HealingTen: Changing Shape-The Shimmering GameEleven: CelebrationsTwelve: The Pit of Death and the PsychopompThirteen: Life Everlasting

III. Myths of the Eternal Present

IntroductionThe Emergence StoryCoyote Comes CallingThe Man of CuautlaA Maya WhistleThe Story of Kats and His Bear WifeThe Spirits and the Wounded Tree of LifeIn the Land of Centaurs and Mermaids